Discover the Blue -- Shores of Eastern Michigan

This leisurely-paced tour of the "Discover the Blue" region takes you on a path through 140 miles of Michigan's eastern shoreline. The air is fragrant with the fresh great lake breezes and scents of coffee houses, bakeries and award-winning restaurants, all are tempting passerby, as they wind their way though the scenic shorelines of the St. Clair River and Lake Huron.

This self-guided tour introduces you to several communities where you will have an opportunity to sample delectable Michigan-inspired foods. Along the way, you will learn about the attractions and colorful local history unique to Michigan's eastern shores. As you taste the fare at the various stops, you can learn how local farming and the Great Lakes have influenced our simple yet delectable dining experiences. Enjoy!

The Marine City Fish Company specializes in local fresh fish, featuring fresh walleye, yellow-belly perch, white fish and salmon. Plus homemade pasta, house smoked ribs, smoked salmon, beef tenderloin jerky, gourmet sandwiches and steak burgers complimented by wonderful hand-crafted desserts. They feature Michigan's beer and wines. The Marine City Fish Company's summer patio overlooks the city parks located on the St. Clair River and the hustle and bustle of a small tourist town featuring numerous antique shops.

2. River Crab 1337 North River Road St. Clair, MI 48079 (810) 329-2261

The River Crab, a Muir Seafood Restaurant, specializes in fresh fish and seafood selections, beef and chicken entrees, homemade pasta, fresh local produce and world-class service. Chef Scott is committed to bringing you specialty entrees utilizing the freshest seasonal and local ingredients as the seasons unfold. Try one of the local favorites Pecan Crusted Whitefish with Sweet potato mash, maple-mustard beurre blanc, Michigan cherry apple-horseradish slaw and asparagus. The restaurant offers a serene view of the St. Clair River accented with the white sails and wakes of the pleasure boats, huge lake freighters and ocean ships. Many guests choose to arrive by boat. The River Crab is noted for its fabulous Sunday brunch.

ThumbCoast has created a craft beer destination in Port Huron that truly represents the Michigan Craft Beer culture and has put Port Huron on the craft beer map. ThumbCoast Brewing Company sees themselves as craftsman, passionately pursuing their mission to bring award winning craft beer to the thumb coast.They Brew Bold and Pour Proud and that same attitude is carried over into their kitchen. The chef’s push the envelope and work to create unique gastro-pub dishes that complement the beers they brew. They strive every day to provide a true craft beer experience to enthusiasts everywhere.

The Atrium Cafe has been described by its guest as the most elegant and whimsical restaurant they have experienced. The main dining room is high Victorian, the theatre room is Art Deco, while the outdoor diners enjoy the historical gazebo and award winning gardens. The entire interior of the Atrium has been constructed from salvaged houses and buildings. However, it is the freshly delicious details that owner Gayle Stevens delivers that has earned the Atrium Cafe the designation of being one of Port Huron's number one eating destinations.

Weekends, is a wonderful unique gift shop that carries an abundance of delectable gourmet foods. Find a nice selection of Michigan's American Spoon and Koeze Company peanut butter, plus cheeses and specialty breads from Zingerman's. You will find it hard not to include in your shopping bag Michigan's chocolate covered cherries produced by Cherry Republic along with Michigan's coffees by Schuil plus great condiments and Michigan made pastas and sauces by Elena's. If you are a "foodie" you will tempted to stop at both locations on your path through the Blue Water region.

Feel like a unique and tasty oven-baked, grilled or traditional, wrap or deli sandwich, fresh delicious meal-sized salads and great soups and chili? The Raven Cafe is the perfect stop. The Raven is an experience of multi-faceted cafe atmosphere. The Raven offers the most diverse and high quality espresso, regular and flavored coffees as well as a great variety of flavored smoothies and teas. The atmosphere is eclectic, find colorful tiffany lighting, gargoyles and statuary, a library of antique and classic books and dozens of photographic and poster art prints. Thursday through Sunday nights find musicians from all over Michigan playing a wide range of quality live music. No matter your age, you will find the Raven Cafe a most unique stop.

A treasure discovered, with a decor of fine wood, brick and tin ceilings, located in downtown Port Huron, the hot spot to dine or just enjoy your surroundings with a flight of wines. Warm hospitality and excellent service, gourmet cuisine in a relaxed casual elegance makes the Vintage Tavern the place to go. Try upscale Domestic Imports, Draft Beers, Specialty Martinis and Wine Flights. A must try is their signature Dill Pickle soup and deep fried asparagus. Compliment each meal with fresh seasonal vegetables and garden salads. A new rooftop deck offers diners a view of the St. Clair and Black rivers. Cuisine and a spectacular view that is unmatched on the shores of eastern Michigan.

Orchards are one of Michigan's favorite attractions. McCallum's Orchard welcomes you to enjoy some of the finest fruits our state has to offer. McCallum's has the best cider and doughnuts around, and lots for the kids to do. Enjoy their pumpkin patch, the kid's zone and the corn maze. They grow their own fresh fruit and you can pick apples, cherries, pears or grapes, or you can buy them in their country store. Taking advantage of all the fresh fruits of the seasons McCallum's has an Estate Winery producing 11 different wines. Try the favorites, cherry, apple, peach and pear. You can sample upon request. McCallum's is open from June through mid December. Come out and enjoy Michigan's bounty.

The Lexington Brewing Company and Wine House is a great place to experience the “Think Globally, Drink Locally” movement. Located in the restored historic Lexington Fire Hall, the LBC has over ten handmade craft beers on tap, created using their locally grown Hops, a lite plate seasonal menu serving locally sourced foods, and is the year round tasting room for Blue Water Winery and Vineyards. This winery, whose awards include two Gold Medals from the 2013 San Francisco Intl. Wine Competition (Cab Franc and Norton) and a Silver Medal from the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Competition (Pinot Noir) is located on a 20 acre vineyard just north of Lexington and is open mid-summer through harvest for tastings, tours, Hop and Grape Harvest Festivals, and more.

Port Sanilac and surrounding areas can expect nothing but a new and wonderful dining experience in a beautiful waterfront setting. Easily accessible by land and water, Uri's Landing is sure to be a great culinary stop for hungry boaters and land lovers alike. Dishes from around the world...with a home town twist. The eclectic menu at Uri's Landing is what Chef Clint calls American Fusion Cuisine. Chef Clint Frenette utilizes when possible fresh and local ingredients. You will find mouthwatering appetizers, endless beverage choices and main courses that will be a topic of conversation whenever you're discussing great places to eat. On Sundays enjoy the Bloody Mary and Omelet bars from 11am - 2 pm. Finish off your experience with an awesome dessert.

The Farm Restaurant's love for cooking, and a great atmosphere for dining makes this restaurant a truly enjoyable destination to gather with your family and your food-loving friends. Their goal is to share the experience & enjoyment of cooking ... selling food that makes you feel good and providing services that make you smile. The award winning Farm restaurant offers a creative comfort style menu influenced by seasonal, fresh local produce, homemade desserts and breads. Their menu is filled with fresh local ingredients and delicious dishes such as the Spicy Crab & Whitefish Tacos, Great Lakes Special Stuffed Whitefish, Chicken & Lemon Thyme Dumplings, BBQ Baby Back Ribs and their amazing desserts.

When you visit Port Austin you will find one of Michigan's largest Farmer's Market located in the downtown at the corner of State and Lake Streets, open May 24 thru October 18 every Saturday from 9 -1. Over 150 vendors featuring produce, flowers, baked goods, art, antiques, crafts and entertainment.